www.aerotechdesigns.com
I recently bought a pair of Adidas Schley shorts from chainlove.com that I absolutely love in XXL. Unless you can find em on a close out, they are pricy.
I about the same size as you, maybe a touch bigger.
Hoss Ponderosa's are available in big sizesas wellwww.hossmtb.com

I have tried endura liners and the xl was a bit snug. The best loose shorts I have run are the Fox Epic shorts in a 38in waist. I actually have to run them snugged tight in the expanders not to lose them. I was just on the fox site (http://shop.foxracing.com) and it looks like the epic is no more. They do have Seargent shorts available up to 42in waist and Attack short to 38in.

I have to throw in another vote for the Hoss Ponderosa shorts. I have 2 pairs now one in black and one camo pair. I have a 38-40 waist and wear the XXL's cause they do come a little small but I have found them to be way easier to get into than the super tight Fox shorts plus they are way cheaper. Price Point is selling the for 45 a pair right now, that is where I got the black camos.

I find the Ponderosas to fit even smaller than 1 size, maybe 2 sizes. It's crazy. But they are great shorts.
My waist is 44, but I've always had to get 46 pants so my legs fit in em. Most shorts I wear a 44.
I had to get the xxxxl ponderosas. Crazy! I wear a XXL in almost any atheletic shorts. XXXL if they are crazy tight.
Hoss makes great stuff. I originally ordered 3xl and they were way too tight. I contacted Hoss, and they sent me the 4xl with a return label to send the 3xl back. Didn't cost any extra. They are a great company!

There's nothing wrong with them. The material isn't as nice as Pearl Izumi or some of the other higher end brands, but they fit. The Performance XXXL jerseys fit my 50" chest, 40 inch gut pretty well. I've been riding mostly a REI pair of baggies since last summer and no problems yet except i am losing weight and might need another pair hehe.

Hoss XXXL doesn't fit me all that well. Its loose at the waist but doesn't fit my thighs or legs.

I'm really big too and you should try www.aerotechdesigns.com . I'm also thrifty and aerotech has sizes to fit all and reasonable prices too. You can order on line 24/7. Check them out, they have all kinds of bike stuff.

While at a LBS yesterday I came across a pair of XXL Humvees, and, while there was no chance that they would fit me, I *really* liked the look, feel and apparent quality of the baggies. I guess it gives me something to which I can aspire...

In the meantime, I'll be going with a couple of pairs of Performance Bike 'Boulder' baggies and their mtn L/S jerseys.

I got to say. I'm a 42 waist. And I never find anything that fits me right in the LBS. Plenty of the Specialized or Cannondale Grinds fit around the waist (almost too big) but the legs are always too tight when you get into a cycling postion.

The closest short that I found that fit great was the Trek series and they just were a terrible quality short. I ended up swapping them out twice becuase they fell apart with in days of wearing them. Finally just returned them.

The best thing that's worked out for me has been the baggy style swimshorts. I've gotten 4 or 5 sets from Marshalls/TJ Maxx. Simple Black or Grey (Nike, Billabong) for dirt cheap.
Less than $20 each for the shell and just wear a camoise lycra under them.

I've done a whole season of DH on 2 pairs that are still going strong and just picked up 2 more at Marshalls today. They are light strechy and quick drying. And even if they rip or get wrecked, they are cheap enough, i could care less....

I'm done looking at expensive cycling shorts that don't do what I need....

I wear a 40" jean and my LBS had a pair of Trek baggies in XL that fit me like a glove.

However, the liner shorts are very snug around my thighs. I guess I'm lucky. I carry almost no weight on my legs except muscle. All my extra "padding" is in my torso. Anyone with extra in the thigh area would probably find them a bit small...

Check out www.mtborah.com and click on their + sizes. I'm 48 inseam, I bought a few pairs of their XXL baggy shorts and they fit perfect. That was 4 years ago and I still have them and use them, so the quality isn't bad either.

While at a Perfromance B&M store in PDX today, I tried on their Boulder baggies, size XXL and they were too tight for me. So tight, in fact, that I'm wondering whether I should skip 3XL and go for 4XL. For reference, my waist is 45".

I also tried on an XXL Mtn jersey. While the jersey did a fine job of highlighting my rather sexy man-boobs, it was far too tight in the shoulder and arm areas. There was plenty of room around the waist, however. It looks I'll definitely be skipping the 3XL jerseys and going straight to the 4XL.

Aerotech Designs & Mt. Borah

Originally Posted by nuggets

I'm really big too and you should try www.aerotechdesigns.com . I'm also thrifty and aerotech has sizes to fit all and reasonable prices too. You can order on line 24/7. Check them out, they have all kinds of bike stuff.

Originally Posted by OutsideinKS

Check out www.mtborah.com and click on their + sizes. I'm 48 inseam, I bought a few pairs of their XXL baggy shorts and they fit perfect. That was 4 years ago and I still have them and use them, so the quality isn't bad either.

I'm quickly running out of options - even the local discount stores have limited sizes. It looks as if Aerotech Designs and Mt. Borah are going to be my go-to sources. I appreciate the info!

I decided to go with Mt. Borah shorts (tight and baggy) from UniversalCycles.com. After talking with the people at Mt. Borah - who were very nice and quite helpful - picked up a pair of 3XL Ridge (baggy) and Pro (tight) shorts. I'll provide a report on the fit after I receive them on Monday.

I also decided to purchase some boxer-style padded cycling liners from REI (Novara brand). I purchased XXL and they run true to size (for me). I plan on using these with the cheap shorts I purchased from Walmart, should all other options fail.

In terms of jerseys, I also picked up some plus-sized long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts from Walmart, along with some compression t-shirts and compression liners. These items are all made by the Walmart brand "Starter" using what the call "Dri-Star" for moisture wicking. Dri-Star is just polyester, but it seems to work quite well and the shirts/jerseys fit very well for big boys. Of course, they are thin and won't last long, but they're cheap ($9-$12 per piece) and they'll work until I find a longer-term solution.

i wear 3 different size shoes depending on brand. i wear 32-38 inch pants depending on brand (seriously, how do you measure an inch differently!?). i wear medium to extra large shirts depending on brand..

bike shorts are no different! they're just a hassle to order online, its almost a surefire way to get the wrong thing. this is one of those cases that its genuinely worth it to buy locally so you can try them on. it'll be worth the extra few bucks to get what fits, the first time. you can buy replacements online for cheaper once you get a baseline fit

make the layers for yourself...

I found a few pairs of Hiking/trekking shorts at the local sporting goods store for less than 10 bucks. Being able to layer those over some lycra is nice because I find that some of the baggies available seem to have a thinner chamois than the lycra. This way, you can get something thicker to protect the boys, while still having the functionality of the baggies.

i
-snp-
...this is one of those cases that its genuinely worth it to buy locally so you can try them on. it'll be worth the extra few bucks to get what fits, the first time. you can buy replacements online for cheaper once you get a baseline fit

I tried. I tried hard. Very hard.

But, alas, after exhausting the local Portland market for anything close to my size, I finally had to give in and take a chance. Fortunately, Universal Cycles is local for me and I talked with them prior to ordering. I'll be stopping by their shop on Monday afternoon to try on the Mt. Borah shorts. If either - or both - are ill-fitting, I'll be able to return then before I leave the warehouse. Thank goodness...

Here is an easy fix.Go to a local motorcycle shop and by a pair of" Moose" brand off road riding under shorts,they have them in vented and non vented.They are just like road bike shorts with the chamie.Now Moose makes big boy sizes.Then go buy any pair of baggie shorts that you like!!!!!!
Been there, done that it works awesome and you are not stuck with ugly bike shorts!!!!

Here is an easy fix.Go to a local motorcycle shop and by a pair of" Moose" brand off road riding under shorts,they have them in vented and non vented.They are just like road bike shorts with the chamie.Now Moose makes big boy sizes.Then go buy any pair of baggie shorts that you like!!!!!!
Been there, done that it works awesome and you are not stuck with ugly bike shorts!!!!

Zinn website product description:
Made by Hoss Technical Gear, the Zinn baggies are customized to fit taller riders. The material is durable and comfortable and the pockets are useful. The shorts are outfitted with a liner and chamois for comfort and fit.

Zinn Cycles Baggy Short

Okay, I just purchased a pair of Zinn's Baggy Shorts; they should arrive early next week. Once I give them a spin or two, I'll write up a little comparison with the Mt. Borah Ridge shorts that I purchased a couple of weeks ago.

Originally Posted by dog.gone

So, I finally clicked on the Zinn banner at the top of the Clyde forum (Zinn is our sponsor...). They have a big & tall clothing section. Doh!

Anyhow, they offer a pair of baggy shorts that are made by Hoss Technical Gear. Sizing goes up to XXXLT (Tall):

Zinn website product description:
Made by Hoss Technical Gear, the Zinn baggies are customized to fit taller riders. The material is durable and comfortable and the pockets are useful. The shorts are outfitted with a liner and chamois for comfort and fit.

Zinn website product description:
Made by Hoss Technical Gear, the Zinn baggies are customized to fit taller riders. The material is durable and comfortable and the pockets are useful. The shorts are outfitted with a liner and chamois for comfort and fit.

After reading this thread a couple weeks ago I bought a pair of Hoss shorts. Went with XXL since I read they run a size small. I'd say they run 2 sizes small. I wear a 38 in jeans and the Fox 38 shorts fit me well. The XXL Hoss shorts fit me SNUG. The Hoss shorts seem to be good quality but I'll stick to the FOX shorts as they are a little more comfortable and seem to be more true to size.

KTM, I'm 6'3 w/ a 33" inseam and the Fox mid-rangers hang down to the middle of my knee cap.

I purchased the XXXL-T. They are supposed to fit 42"-48" waists and have a slightly longer inseam than standard Hoss shorts. After losing a little weight recently thanks to biking, my 46" pants are now loose. That being said, the Zinn/Hoss XXXL-T shorts are a bit tight. Doable, but tight. I would say that if your waist size is any larger than 45", these would be too small.

On the bright side, the length is good. The actual baggy portion of the short comes down about an inch below my knee. The inner/tight short is just a little above my knee. Plenty of length for most riders.

BTW, these are indeed Hoss shorts - fully retail-tagged as Hoss with the only difference being the addition of the Zinn logo on the two side pockets (the logo is on the pocket cover, rather than on the side of the pocket as in the pic above). They are identical to the Hoss in every other respect as far as I can tell.

Mai, funny you mention it but I too grabbed a set of those 40in Nike ACG shorts. A local sporting store was selling them for about $20 and I figured I could use then as a shell. They are pretty loose on me, but the 38in was too small.

At any rate, I have picked up a couple of new Fox shorts. Unfortunately true to most recent fox offerings they are cut for very straight, non curvy types. Sized on the tight end of their size range. So buying a 38, expect it to be 37.5-38 and not a loose 38-38.5.

Sergeant 38in: very comfy, removable liner, pockets all over, stretch material. They are a bit snug and a bit long, but comfortable to ride in. I am going to keep them as motivation to drop my waist size by .5in in the next couple of months. One oddity is that these have a very shallow crotch. They feel like I am going to plumber crack guys behind me. They may not be good for those with big buts. I am on the big end of medium in that dept.

Ranger 40in: I figured if the shorts are true to size, then I should check out a 40in short for kicks. Well no-go. These things are swimming in the waist. They also appear to have even less room in the trunk. Not a good combo (loose waist and not enough bum space). They don't have a belt loop and the velcro size adjust just isn't inspiring any confidence. These are going back to the vendor. They look good on paper, but not for me.

Lastly I grabbed a set of Hoss Ponderosa shorts. For my size I needed a XXXL. Holy cow, I am not even 40in waist and I have been dubbed 3XL The shorts are comfy. Took them out for about 10mi this afternoon. They do suffer the droopy chamois issue that seems common to sewn in liners. Not a huge issue, but it catches on the saddle nose occasionally. For the price they are hard to beat. Unlike fox there was plenty of booty room, maybe even a little too generous.

I wear Adidas and Nike basketball & sport shorts.. I never tried any pro riding shorts.. where do I get a lycra shell to use? I googled it and I cant find one to buy called a "lycra shell"... I know its a totally noob question, but i really have no idea, I havnt looked into outerwear any further than the gloves.

Go to www.aerotechdesigns.com and you'll find the lycra shell listed as exercise shorts. they also have anything related to bicycle clothing you can think of. Sizes to 5X and prices that are hard to beat anywhere.

I ofcourse tried them on, my first pair of bike shorts. The 3X size was true to my 46.75" waist, if not a little loose & too high, but I can fold it over. The legs are perfect. The leg cuffs are too far down and scratching my knees when i bend, but I rolled them backwards and they're good now.

On a side note... wearing something like this for the first time... this must be what it feels like to drop a load in an adult diaper.. very strange feeling walking around with em.

On a side note... wearing something like this for the first time... this must be what it feels like to drop a load in an adult diaper.. very strange feeling walking around with em.

Ha, that's funny. Almost coated my screen with the coffee I am drinking

Bike shorts are not for walking. On a positive note they do mold to your body over time and will have less daiper effect. While riding the sweat has a tendency to make them mold even better. So after a month or so the only time they will feel like that is when you first put them on.

My two cents... had 2 pairs of Hoss Ponderosa. Both times I went to swing my leg up of the saddle to mount my bike and ripped them in the crotch. Also that velcro just cut at my belly. I talked to some friends and my one buddy sent me to SWOBO for the MINK MAN shorts and liner. I was so happy with the padding I ended up buying a second pair. Also the shorts material is really nice. Also you can take out the padded shorts and wear them with bike knickers or other pants where you will be in the saddle on a long ride. I think I have owned my Swobo's for 2 years now and have been extremely happy. Also, they look just like the day I bought them, thanks to the material they show no signs of stains, cuts, tears, etc. still look new!
Jeff

The 3X size was true to my 46.75" waist, if not a little loose & too high, but I can fold it over. The legs are perfect. The leg cuffs are too far down and scratching my knees when i bend, but I rolled them backwards and they're good now.

Once you get on the bike and into your riding position, the extra height in the back and extra length in the legs will come in handy.

Originally Posted by The Red

On a side note... wearing something like this for the first time... this must be what it feels like to drop a load in an adult diaper.. very strange feeling walking around with em.

Once you get on the bike and into your riding position, the extra height in the back and extra length in the legs will come in handy.

Yeah, that can be a crappy feeling.

You were right on with the legs and the extra in the back... leaned over, I found the legs to recede and the material at the end that was scratchy was now tight against my lower thigh and preventing ride-up.

As for the back, being longer turned out to be quite an advantage... bent over, I felt I no longer had the need for longer shirts and could ride around without the fear of being pulled over for dealing crack.

Well, its been a few weeks since I got my first piece of bike clothing.. worked out quite well, and so I decided to go pro. Hope they work out as great as your other suggestion.

There was also another... issue... it seems that my excellent fitting Novaras had stretched.. and so I was not sure what to do, I went to the aerotech site and was looking to try their undershorts too.. then, having thought about it, I just went and got outright riding shorts instead of undershorts, since it stopped being a matter to me. So I go to um.. measure the equator.. and apparently, I was wrong to think badly of the Novara shorts.. they did not stretch.. but rather, I seem to have shrunk

I'd like to say I've been very happy with my Hoss Ponderosa shorts until today. I typically wear a 38,inch waist jeans and order the XXL. They were a little snug to get on around my thighs but once up they were good, maybe a little short.

Unfortunately they are mysteriously torn from the waist band all the way to the bottom of the leg on the back of my right leg. I have no idea how this happened, I didn't crash or catch anything that could have torn them. They must have caught my seat or something.

So now I'm looking for something a bit stronger. I'm open to buying shorts with a built in liner or going with something that I can wear over a pair of lycra shorts. Any suggestions? I read the thread but still have some questions. I guess I have long legs, I'm about 6'2" with a 32inch or so inseam, so I'm looking for something that will hang a little lower, but not the 3/4 length stuff. I also want something with a durable shell, should I be looking into the downhill freeride stuff? How is the fox stuff as far as size and ruggedness of the outer material. One other thing that kind of bothered my about the hoss shorts was the way the liner was hooked on the bottom too, are the other brands like that?

ALS, the hoss shorts are fairly well built IMO. I think you just had a fluke. About the only thing more durable would be freeride/dh shorts. They are made from significantly thicker and stronger materials. They will not vent as well and require a separate liner.

I like the Fox trail shorts, but am at the extreme end of the sizes offered with a 38-39in waist. Pearl izumi shorts are also nice. Tons of other options as well. I do prefer the shorts with independent liners.

I was very surprised when I noticed they were ripped. Since they are the only shorts I've tried I would like to see what else is out there. I'll probably pickup a liner and maybe some dh/fr shorts, also I'd like to try the fox stuff, there moto gear is nice. I think I'd be on the outer fringes of their sizing as well. I guess I'll do some more looking around and see what I come up with.

Swobo here if you're interested

You know, we made a bunch of big guy sizes this year, and I have a few left in stock. I just checked, and I have 25 pairs left (you can't choose the color) in a size XL, which fits 38-40 (and a little bigger actually). If anyone is interested in getting the last of these, send me an email at tim@swobo.com and I'll send them out at $50 (both shell and liner). These originally sold for $107. Just let me know...but once they're gone, they're gone.

You know, we made a bunch of big guy sizes this year, and I have a few left in stock. I just checked, and I have 25 pairs left (you can't choose the color) in a size XL, which fits 38-40 (and a little bigger actually). If anyone is interested in getting the last of these, send me an email at tim@swobo.com and I'll send them out at $50 (both shell and liner). These originally sold for $107. Just let me know...but once they're gone, they're gone.

I ordered a pair of Fox Rangers in size 40 yesterday, let you guys know how I like them when they get here. A note about these, most of the online retails stop sizing on these at 38, but on the fox site they have them up 42 in some colors.

i'm not a clyde, but you may want to check out Zoic. they're local for me so i've ridden with the owners, and they are decent stand-up guys with good product. I wear their shorts, socks, and gloves. I'm wearing large shorts and they're a bit loose for me (i need a belt), but since i'm tall with a 32 waist, anything that fits my waist looks like hot paints. I would say the large would fit a 34-36, so xl should deffinately fit a 40.

You know, we made a bunch of big guy sizes this year, and I have a few left in stock. I just checked, and I have 25 pairs left (you can't choose the color) in a size XL, which fits 38-40 (and a little bigger actually). If anyone is interested in getting the last of these, send me an email at tim@swobo.com and I'll send them out at $50 (both shell and liner). These originally sold for $107. Just let me know...but once they're gone, they're gone.

I got in touch with Tim yesterday. The shorts in question are the Minkman combos.

Super easy transaction online. To get the discount applied it just took an email. And one item not mentioned earlier, shipping is included in the price. They guys at swobo are on the ball. Not only did they take my order, hook up a discount, but they actually shipped the same day. Big props I will report back on the shorts when they arrive.

I got to say. I'm a 42 waist. And I never find anything that fits me right in the LBS. Plenty of the Specialized or Cannondale Grinds fit around the waist (almost too big) but the legs are always too tight when you get into a cycling postion.

The closest short that I found that fit great was the Trek series and they just were a terrible quality short. I ended up swapping them out twice becuase they fell apart with in days of wearing them. Finally just returned them.

The best thing that's worked out for me has been the baggy style swimshorts. I've gotten 4 or 5 sets from Marshalls/TJ Maxx. Simple Black or Grey (Nike, Billabong) for dirt cheap.
Less than $20 each for the shell and just wear a camoise lycra under them.

I've done a whole season of DH on 2 pairs that are still going strong and just picked up 2 more at Marshalls today. They are light strechy and quick drying. And even if they rip or get wrecked, they are cheap enough, i could care less....

I'm done looking at expensive cycling shorts that don't do what I need....

Fox Rangers

I got my Fox Rangers today. Haven't ridden in them yet but first impression they seem pretty nice. They have a zip fly, awsome, they are pretty long too. I got them in a size 40 and the inseam on them measures about 12inches. I'm about 6'2" with a 31 or 32 inch inseam and the shorts hang just below my knees. The liner seems good so far too, it's long comes to just above my knees. For size reference I usually wear Levis in a size 38 but could probably wear them in a 36. These fit comfortably, they aren't tight, they do have adjustment straps, but they are velcro, not sure how well they will hold. I'll take a ride and let you guys know what I think, but initially I'm happy with them.

I got in touch with Tim yesterday. The shorts in question are the Minkman combos.

Super easy transaction online. To get the discount applied it just took an email. And one item not mentioned earlier, shipping is included in the price. They guys at swobo are on the ball. Not only did they take my order, hook up a discount, but they actually shipped the same day. Big props I will report back on the shorts when they arrive.

Shorts arrived today. Overall the construction is good. Short shell is a thin synthetic and a bit noisy. The waist is great, fully adjustable and very comfy. I think they claim 38-40in waist on the xxl, but I would guess them to go atleast an inch more in either direction (more on the minus side).

Liner is somewhat typical of a basic budget liner. No thrills or frills.

Gonna have to give them the
For the price it is a great alternative. Thanks Tim

Fox Rangers Continued

Went for a ride with the Rangers on. I like them a lot. I almost feel like I could wear a 38, but they might be too snug, maybe in a month or two. They didn't ride way up on my knees when pedals which was nice, no need to scare people with my white hairy legs. The liner is nice too, the padding seemed good, and it is all mesh so they breathed well. I rode probably five or six miles, nothing too tech but I did get up off the seat a number of times and never felt the crotch grab the seat. They do have a few pockets also, one of the lower leg ones zips, however I carry everything in a camelback. They also went on much easier than the Hoss shorts, I had trouble pulling them up over my thighs, but these go on really easily. I think they are a clyde worthy short for sure. Some of the other Fox shorts came in 42 inch waist also. I'll probably buy another pair.

On a side note, I rode in a pair of dickies shorts the other day and those worked pretty nice. I think they would be great with a liner and they come in big sizes. They are pretty cheap and very durable too.

That sucks. Not too get to personal, but were the Ponderosas tight in the waist, butt or thigh for you?

I sure wish Troy Lee Designs made their DH/Moto shorts in clyde sizes...

I think the butt was probably the worst for me, it was tight getting it on but once on it felt snug and about how I expected them to be around the waist. The thigh is tight but I think that mayber more due to the liner than anything else. Im still debating whether to keep them or return them, dont know what else I'd get aside from spandex and over shorts.

I think the butt was probably the worst for me, it was tight getting it on but once on it felt snug and about how I expected them to be around the waist. The thigh is tight but I think that mayber more due to the liner than anything else. Im still debating whether to keep them or return them, dont know what else I'd get aside from spandex and over shorts.

Yeah, the butt/hips is where I notice it most as well, which tends to add to the whole chamois-sag syndrome on and off the bike. Otherwise, I'm reasonably happy with the shorts (and love all the pockets).

Yeah, the butt/hips is where I notice it most as well, which tends to add to the whole chamois-sag syndrome on and off the bike. Otherwise, I'm reasonably happy with the shorts (and love all the pockets).

Not chamois-sag syndrome
Yeah, typical problem with built in liner shorts. That is the main reason I prefer shell and liner style shorts. Once you get stuck on your saddle a few times you will understand

I wear a 44-46 waist and while the Hoss 4x seemed a little tight when I first put em on, they break in pretty good and stretch out a bit.
They even seemed looser after the first wash cycle. Just don't go too crazy with them in the dryer. I dry mine on low for about 30 min, then hang dry the rest of the way.
I expected them to get tighter after drying, but it seemed quite the opposite.

38" waist led me to purchase Hoss Ponderosa in XL. The legs are pretty tight, but usable. Tried some XXL shorts, and the legs fit nicely, but there's a seam on the front of the chamois that creates some discomfort on the tip of the old dingle dangle. I like their stuff, but apparently my geometry is a no go for the Ponderosa's. Any suggestions for an alternative? I like baggies, but if I have to go lycra I will.

We still have our deal for you guys for XXL shorts on Minkman and Rind shorts. Just ping me at tim@swobo.com if you're interested.

tp

Cool. I have a few more rides in on the minkman shorts. They are very comfortable, both the exterior and the liner. I was a bit worried about the chamois seams, but they are not giving me any issues. About the only complaint I could come up with is the noise when walking down the hall to sneak out of work early for a ride

Try www.aerotechdesigns.com. Sizes to 5X and many styles of bicycle clothing; lycra, baggies, shirts, gloves etc. They manufacture all their own clothing. Sizes are pretty accurate. You can order 24 / 7 on the phone or via internet.

Yes I order my lycra shorts and shirts from them. I'm a very large person because of a disease called lymphedema and my entire body swells with fluid. I am 400 lbs and have a 60" waist and the 5x stuff fits good. Quality is good and they last forever. I'm sure you're smaller than me. Their sizing chart seems pretty accurate. Because of my lymphedema I can't wear a chamois. That's no problem because my shorts or baggys are made without the chamois. I highly recommend them.

Love the shorts. Company has been good with fixing the issue I had exept it has occured again. I am a 40-42 waist, 6'1" 270 but have large thighs due to 10+years of playing football. I originally ordered XXL and they felt good on the waist but tight on the leg. They felt great riding and I really enjoyed them but then they started to frey in the seat and by the fourth ride had completely shredded from the leg to the crotch. I contacted Hoss and they replaced them straight away. I also took it upon myself to order a pair of XXXL to do a self experiment and they felt better in the legs but now after 5 rides they are starting to frey in the seat as well. I asked Hoss if they knew what would cause this, gave them seat type and everything but they never gave an answer. The best I can tell is that if you have sturdy legs that when you get into your riding position that the material on the Hoss shorts just can't take the stress. I will move on to some of the suggestions in this forum to see if I can find something that works for me. Unitl then it is Under Armour liners under my Nike Basketball shorts.

I find the Ponderosas to fit even smaller than 1 size, maybe 2 sizes. It's crazy. But they are great shorts.
My waist is 44, but I've always had to get 46 pants so my legs fit in em. Most shorts I wear a 44.
I had to get the xxxxl ponderosas. Crazy! I wear a XXL in almost any atheletic shorts. XXXL if they are crazy tight.
Hoss makes great stuff. I originally ordered 3xl and they were way too tight. I contacted Hoss, and they sent me the 4xl with a return label to send the 3xl back. Didn't cost any extra. They are a great company!

This is my exact experience. I can wear a XXL or even XL in most athletic shorts, and their XXXL was too tight around the thighs, I couldn't even pull them up! I was so excited about them, so I was pretty upset at the time. I just use athletic shorts that have some sort of wicking.

This is my exact experience. I can wear a XXL or even XL in most athletic shorts, and their XXXL was too tight around the thighs, I couldn't even pull them up! I was so excited about them, so I was pretty upset at the time. I just use athletic shorts that have some sort of wicking.

Yep, my Hoss Ponderosa shorts are a disappointment in that respect too. I am a true 38-39in waist and normal legged (no tree trunks here). I ended up having to buy their XXXL size. Are you kidding me? A sub 40in waist and I need to purchase your XXXL. Weird On my last ride I was giving though to relieving the elastic around my legs. In the past I have cut 3-4 incisions around the elastic band on shorts to make the legs a bit more comfy. For now I have them in my riding apparel bin, but they aren't seeing much ride time.

I had never measured my thighs. But after your comment thought that may be relevant info. I came out at 24in via tape measure over my slacks. Can't specifically blame any sport, just the way mama made me

I bought some cheap $30 (insport I think is the brand) baggies from Academy as my first pair. Just an FYI, avoid those if at all possible! They're pretty terrible, at least my pair. It seams as if the padding only covers up my cheeks, I think they sewed in the padding in the wrong spot maybe and doesn't protect from chaffing at all - the purpose of bike shorts

Too good to let go. Bringing this thread back around as the 2010 gear comes out. Any new shorts you guys are running?

I picked up a set of Royal Sub shorts, w/o liner so no comment there. The XXL fits my 39in waist fine, actually a bit loose but the velcro snugs work well. Not a ton of but/thigh room, however they have a stretch panel so they are comfy. Material and construction is mid-weight and better than most xc based gear.

Next up is Pearl Izumi Versa XXL, again no liner so no comment there. These things are fricken huge. I ended up taking them in about 4in at the waist, just folded over and did a few tac loops with thread. They are true to size (claimed 41.5-44in waist), but I wanted to check them out to see if they were lying. Obviously going oversized and taking in the waist I have no issue with the hip/but/thigh room. Construction is very light, fabric is stretch. Good for hot weather, but I have my doubts about how they would come out after a crash.

Peral Izumi Impact Shorts. Friggin awesome. XXL is very big. Fits me perfect. I have about a 44" waist, but usually wear 46" shorts and pants for added leg room. These things are great. Liked em so much, I bought 2 more pair.
Will be great for summer as they are fairly thin, and the fabric is stretchy.
I too was worried how they would hold up in a crash. I had the pleasure of crashing twice my last ride. First crash was on some nice sharp rocks, kind of gravel like, second crash was on some sandy dirt. They came out fine. Here is a video of me crashing if you don't believe me......= )

They have that board short look with laces in front instead of a button. I really like em. The laces allow you to be able to fine tune the fit really nice. They also have the adjustable waist velcro closures on the inside. Cool design there.

They have removeable liners which I like. I keep a couple extra liners around incase I don't get a chance to wash the shorts before a ride, I can just swap out liners. Also featuring a long inseam which I like as well.
It's also nice to be able to wear tights under them for colder weather riding.
Probably my most favorite short so far.